Message Notes
Look Back
How did you fight from victory this week?
Look Up
Read Luke 15:11-13
- Jesus used this parable, or story, to help people understand God – what do these verses say about God and how He often responds to our “reckless” requests?
- What factors may have caused the younger son to respond to the father’s generosity the way he did? How easy is it for you to relate to and understand this son’s actions?
Read Luke 15:14-19
- What caused the son to finally “come to his senses”? What does this say about people and some of the choices we make? Have you ever felt this way - what brought you to your senses?
- What did the son expect would happen when he returned home to his father? What changed in the son and his view of his father? Has your view of God ever changed significantly, and if so, why?
Read Luke 15:20-24
- How did the father react when he saw his son returning and why? What does this teach about how God views us? How easy is it for you to understand the father’s actions?
- What message did the son send to the father in verse 21? Why is it significant and meaningful that the son said these things after the father ran to him and embraced him? How should followers of Jesus today apply this in their lives?
Overall (Discovery Bible Study)
- What do these scriptures say about God?
- What do they say about people?
- How will I apply this to my life?
Look Ahead
How has God been reckless in his treatment of you? Where do you see yourself in Jesus’ story of the prodigal son?
Notes
Many times we discount the things that God has freely given us and focus on things that seem attractive and desirable in the moment. Our failure to recognize the gifts that are given from our heavenly father can lead to our becoming reckless with what God has provided. This leads us to make some common mistakes and waste the gifts He gives us when we believe we deserve them, or feel so much shame that we fail to go home to a loving God who welcomes us with open arms. Jesus’ story teaches that God will restore us when we humbly return to Him and submit to His way for our lives.
